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IRT, specialists in flying horses to long haul destinations around the globe, has welcomed this week’s announcement from Australia’s Department of Agriculture that will see travel restrictions on horses leaving Germany lifted at the end of the month.
Following a confirmed case of the infectious disease Glanders in Germany in November last year, restrictions were immediately put in place by the Australian government that meant any horse travelling to Australia would need to have been outside Germany for at least six months.
That restriction was to be in place for at least three years, but had the option of being reduced to six months in the event Germany could supply Australia’s Quarantine and Inspection Service with sufficient assurances that the disease had been effectively dealt with.
With such assurances now received, all travel restrictions are to be lifted on 30 July, news that was warmly welcomed by IRT’s managing director Jim Paltridge.
“This is fantastic news for all concerned,” he said. “We are over the moon to see the restrictions lifted.
“I am aware of quite a few people who have been looking to buy horses in Germany and send them to Australia in recent months, but have had to hold back on it. Now they can progress with that as soon as next month.
“We thank the German Ministry for their diligence and hard work in overcoming this issue so swiftly and providing the Australian authorities with the required documentation to allow us to resume our business.
“We look forward to returning to business as usual and will be offering our first service from Germany to Australia following the lifting of restrictions early next month, with quarantine beginning on 5 August.”